This seminal textbook provides a critical review and analysis of the key components of leadership-and its limits. Against a historical backdrop, the text explores the foundations of successful and unsuccessful leadership, the relationship between the leaders and subordinates and the role leaders play in the dynamics of organisational life. Taking four key approaches, Leadership as Results, as Process, as Position and as Identity, the author analyses the theoretical source of each alternative and then provides a wide range of illustrative case studies to support his points. In this way, the textbook provides a holistic view of how leaders operate in different contexts as well as the limitations that can restrain emerging/successful leaders.

Written by a world-leading expert on leadership, this unique and engaging text is an ideal course companion for undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA students studying leadership. It is suitable for those with no prior business knowledge.